CATHOLIC CENTRAL IRISH
Coach: Steve Dewitt, 38th season (225-167-4);
OHSAA Designation: Division VII, Region 26
Playoff History: 12 playoff berths, including six straight from 2003-2008;
(1987, 1989, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011)
2014 Record: 0-10 overall; 0-7 Ohio Heritage Conference
SCHEDULE (all games 7 p.m.): Aug. 28 — Greenon at Catholic Central; Sept. 4 — Catholic Central at Graham; Sept. 11 — Bradford at Catholic Central; Sept. 18 — Catholic Central at Southeastern; Sept. 25 — Northeastern at Catholic Central; Oct. 2 — Greeneview at Catholic Central; Oct. 9 — Catholic Central at Mechanicsburg; Oct. 16 — Catholic Central at Cedarville; Oct. 23 — Triad at Catholic Central; Oct. 30 — Catholic Central at West Liberty-Salem.
His Catholic Central high school football team is coming off consecutive 0-10 seasons on the field (excluding a forfeit victory in 2013). The Irish haven’t won a game since Oct. 26, 2012.
So how does veteran coach Steve DeWitt, now in his 38th season, prepare a program with low numbers for another season of rigors in the tough Ohio Heritage Conference?
By preaching about the playoffs, of course. This is Catholic Central after all, a program rich in tradition and 12 trips to the Ohio High School Athletic Association postseason.
No. 13 might not be too far off.
“We talk about getting back to the playoffs and those things,” said DeWitt, who as recently as 2011 led the Irish into Week 11. “With the playoff reputation we’ve been able to enjoy, the challenge presents itself to get back. The season doesn’t seem complete unless you do something like that.”
DeWitt realizes the obstacles, especially with a roster of 24 players (down one from last season). But the Irish are loaded with senior leadership, and just as important, a never-give-in attitude forged as underclassmen battling bigger and more experienced varsity teams these past few seasons.
“I think one of the things I’m proudest of this group of kids is they’ve never picked up a desire to quit,” DeWitt said. “So far I’m extremely optimistic about what I see in terms of the athleticism they project, their willingness to learn and their desire to play the game.”
DeWitt will know more about his Irish on today, especially the offense, when Catholic Central travels to Northridge for a 5 p.m. scrimmage. The Irish were outscored 381-65 last season and scored eight points or less in nine of their 10 games.
He already likes what he sees from a senior group with potential. Jake Ferguson (6-1, 180) returns at running back and linebacker. Timmy Weeks (6-2, 205) and Oliver Felty (6-1, 190) start on both the offensive and defensive lines. Matt Sheehan (5-11, 165) is at wide receiver and defensive back. Trevor Myers (5-11, 175) starts at center and linebacker. Jake Guiterrez (5-10, 170) is at running back and linebacker.
Junior Cossy Catanzaro (6-3, 190) and sophomore Colin Kelly (5-10, 165) are competing at quarterback. Both saw time last season after Catanzaro broke the thumb on his throwing hand. Junior Thomas Kavanagh (6-1, 170) is a top target at wide receiver and plays defensive back.
Sophomore offensive lineman/linebacker Dominic Catanzaro (5-11, 205) and receiver/defensive back Dominic DeWitt (6-2, 175) should also be key contributors.
“Our numbers are still not where I’d hoped they would be,” DeWitt said. “But the kids that have been paying heavy dues — playing as freshmen up against varsity teams — are now juniors and seniors with varsity experience. … All of us as a coaching staff are probably more excited, even though our numbers are low, about the possibilities this group of kids brings to the game.”
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